Ministry of Justice Justifies a Judge’s Handshake with a Former Regime Terror Court Official in Damascus
The Ministry of Justice's justification for the handshake with a former Terror Court judge reveals the challenge of balancing official protocols with public sensitivities regarding figures and institu
April 11, 2025, 7:45 pm

Ministry of Justice Justifies a Judge’s Handshake with a Former Regime Terror Court Official in Damascus

مظهر الويس \ متداولة

The Ministry of Justice issued a clarifying statement today regarding the controversy surrounding Minister Dr. Mazhar Al-Wais shaking hands with the former chief prosecutor of the Terror Court under the previous regime. Many viewed this gesture as a sign of leniency toward figures linked to violations of justice and human dignity.

This incident highlights the sensitivity of dealing with former judicial officials and places the ministry under pressure to clarify its stance on accountability.

In its statement, obtained by the SANA news agency, the ministry explained that the controversial handshake occurred during a general Eid al-Fitr greeting extended by the minister to a group of judges, in line with official government protocols. The ministry denied any prior knowledge of the judge’s identity or background and refuted any suggestion that the handshake implied tolerance for those who violated the Syrian people’s rights.

This justification raises questions about the effectiveness of vetting mechanisms for judges who remain in their positions despite ties to institutions accused of abuses.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to holding accountable those involved in judicial transgressions, announcing that all judges who previously held positions in the Terror Court had been referred to the Judicial Inspection Directorate for investigation, following legal procedures. However, they will continue to perform their duties temporarily until the investigations are completed and the facts are revealed.

The continued presence of these judges in office despite ongoing investigations raises concerns about balancing the presumption of innocence with the need to purge the judiciary of questionable figures.

The ministry claimed a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law and reiterated its commitment to prosecuting all those involved in bloodshed or violations of freedoms and rights. It framed this as a tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs, a safeguard for detainees' freedoms, a reinforcement of justice, and a guarantee for protecting individual rights and liberties within a comprehensive legal framework.

These statements appear to be an attempt to reassure public opinion, yet they lack clear practical measures to translate these commitments into concrete actions. The ministry concluded its statement by asserting that justice remains its guiding principle, regardless of attempts to obscure facts or sow doubt.

However, the true test of these promises lies in the outcomes of the investigations and the ministry’s willingness to take decisive action against judges implicated in past violations.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
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